| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat characteristics |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat Attributes |
| History of Sphynx / Hairless Cat |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat Appearance |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat Personality |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat Health |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat Care |
| Sphynx / Hairless Cat Food and Diet |
| Pros and Cons adopting Sphynx / Hairless Cat |
| 10 Interesting facts about Sphynx / Hairless Cat |
Sphynx / Hairless Cat characteristics
| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | Ontario, Canada |
| WEIGHT | 6 to 12 pounds |
| LENGTH | 13 to 15 inches, head to tail |
| FUR | Hairless |
| FUR COLOR | White, black , red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, dotted, and mink. |
| EYE COLOR | Varies |
| LONGEVITY | 9 to 15 years |
Sphynx / Hairless Cat Attributes
- PLAYFULNESS
- FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS
- GROOMING REQUIREMENTS
- NEED FOR ATTENTION
- ACTIVITY LEVEL
- FRIENDLINESS TO CHILDREN
- VOCALITY
- AFFECTION TOWARD ITS OWNERS
- DOCILITY
- INDEPENDENCE
- INTELLIGENCE
- HARDINESS
History of Sphynx / Hairless Cat
The Sphynx is not the first example of hair loss in domestic cats. This natural, spontaneous mutation has been seen in various parts of the world for more than a century, and probably even longer.
The Book of the Cat by Frances Simpson, published in 1903, refers to a pair of grey and white hairless kittens, Dick and Nellie, belonging to Albuquerque, a New Mexico cat lover named F. Yeah, that’s J. Shinick. Called the “Mexican Hairless,” these cats looked the same as the Sphynx of today and were supposedly stolen from the Indians around Albuquerque. According to Mr. Shinick ‘s letter, “The old Jesuit fathers tell me that they are the last Aztec breed to be found only in New Mexico.” It’s not clear whether it was accurate, but Dick and Nellie died without their offspring.
In 1950, a pair of Siamese cats created a litter containing three hairless kittens in Paris, France. The results were repeated in the same team’s subsequent matings, but no new hairless kittens were produced by breeding the parents to other Siamese cats. Other hairless felines emerged in Morocco, Australia, North Carolina, and in 1966 in Roncesvalles, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where a pair of domestic shorthairs created a litter that included a hairless kitten named Prune. The breeder acquired the parents and started the breeding program; the breed was named Canadian Hairless. Prune was married to his mother, who had developed a hairless kitten.
In 1970, the provisional breed status was given to CFA. This line had several difficulties; the gene pool was limited, and many kittens died of undiagnosed health problems. In 1971, CFA revoked its acceptance due to worries regarding the health of the breed. Dr. Hugo Hernandez sent the last Prune line to Holland in the 1970s. Two hairless female kittens believed to be similar to Prune were found in Toronto in 1978 and 1980. They were sent to Holland to be brought up with Prune’s last remaining male offspring. There was a mother who had bred, but she had lost her litter. None of Prune’s descendants have gone on to become the Sphynx breed that we know today.
In 1975, Minnesota farm owners Milt and Ethelyn Pearson discovered that a hairless kitten was born to their usual farm cat, Jezabelle. This kitten, named Epidermis, was followed the next year by another hairless kitten named Dermis. Both were sold to Oregon breeder Kim Mueske, who used the kittens to develop the Sphynx breed. Georgiana Gatenby of Brainerd, Minnesota, has also worked with Pearson line cats, using Cornish Rex as an outcross.
At around the same time (1978), Siamese breeder Shirley Smith of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, found three hairless kittens on her neighborhood streets, named Bambi, Punkie, and Paloma. The descendants of Bambi, Punkie, and Paloma in Canada, along with the descendants of Epidermis and Dermis in Oregon, were the cornerstone of today’s Sphynx. Since its inception, the breed has taken great strides.
While most fans embraced the Sphynx as unique and unusual, some cat-fantasy members wanted the Sphynx to wear clothes. Like other breeds that varied from the original form, the Sphynx received some negative attention. The gene that controls hairlessness may be considered a genetic disorder since the cat is more resistant to both hot and cold. On the other hand, the fanciers suggest that we humans are more or less hairless than our closest cousins, and with a dap of sunscreen, we appear to get just fine.
The acceptance of the association followed the development of the breed quite rapidly for such an unusual breed. TICA accepted the species for the championship in 1986. The CCA honored the Sphynx with its title in 1992. In 1994, ACFA followed suit. CFA approved the latest and improved Sphynx lines for registration in 1998 and invited the breed to the championship in 2002. The species is now recognized by all North American cat societies and by the Federation Internationale Féline (FIFe) and the Board of Governors of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in Europe.
Sphynx / Hairless Cat Appearance
BODY
With a broad rounded chest and full round belly, the body is fair, challenging, and muscular. The rump is firm and well-rounded. The rear line grows to support longer back legs while standing just above the shoulder blades. Boning is the average. The length of the neck is average, rounded, well-muscled, with a faint arch.
EYES
Big, lemon-shaped, with a wide-open core on either side before coming to a definite point. At a moderate upward angle, the location should correspond with the outer base of the jaw. Eyes should be set wide apart, with at least one eye diameter being the gap between the feet.
HEAD
Slightly longer than a broad, modified wedge, with pronounced cheekbones, a distinctive whisker split, and whisker pads give the muzzle a squared profile. With a smooth plane in front of the head, the skull is somewhat oval. The nose is straight, and there is a mild to moderate, palpable pause at the bridge of the nose. Prominent, rounded cheekbones that form the eye and create a curl above the break of the whisker.
LEGS & PAWS
Legs, relative to the torso, are medium. With the rear legs being slightly longer than the front, they are robust and well-muscled. And well-knuckled fingers, the paws are oval; five in front and four behind. The paw pads are broad, providing the impression of cushions to walk on.
FUR: LONG HAIR
This cat’s look is that of hairlessness. The feet, the outer edges of the ears, and the tail may contain thick, fine hair. The nose bridge should usually be coated. The rest of the body will range from entirely hairless to a soft peach-like fuzz covering whose length does not compete with the bold look. When stroking the cat, this coat/skin pattern produces a sense of resistance. There are typically no whiskers, although they are brief and scattered if whiskers are present.
EARS
From broad to very big. Wide at the base, accessible and upright. The ear’s outer bottom should begin at the level of the eye when seen from the front, neither set low nor on top of the head. Naturally, the inside of the ears is unfurnished.
TAIL
Slender, compact, and long while retaining a body length proportion. I am tapering to a fair point, whip-like.
Sphynx / Hairless Cat Personality
The Sphynxes are lively and understatement; they perform aerialist stunts like monkeys from the top of the doorways and bookshelves. They obey their human beings very devotedly and diligently, wagging their tails doggy fashion, kneading on their padded toes, and purging with pleasure at the excitement of being next to their beloved human beings. They claim your unconditional love, and they are as mischievous (and lovable) as girls. And despite all this and their alien appearance, they are still cats, with all the mysteries and charms that have fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Although the Sphynx might not be for all, its distinctive presence and friendly disposition have won an engaged, enthusiastic follow-up.
Sphynx / Hairless Cat Health
As for other dogs, please always ask your breeder for a health guarantee for your sphynx kitten. When bred responsibly, sphynx cats are usually healthy.
Owing to their hairlessness, Sphynx cats are vulnerable to sunlight exposure, and they have no fur to shield their skin from damaging UV rays. Their direct exposure to the sun should be reduced. Like us, these cats will get a sunburn if they’ve been exposed to sunshine for too long. For this cause, sphynxes should stay indoor pets or be closely watched while outdoors.
In addition to skin disorders, some of the symptoms could be likely to include:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common heart condition that causes the cardiac muscle to thicken.
- Periodontal cancer or gum disease
- Hereditary myopathy, generalized weakness of the muscle
Sphynx cats should be groomed correctly to avoid skin and gum hygiene issues. Regular baths and teeth cleaning would allow wonders to avoid sphynx cat health issues.
Sphynx / Hairless Cat Care
Sphynx cats are faithful and full of affection for their human beings and can frequently be seen trailing or snuggling about while wagging their tails. Although they will almost always instead be cuddling, sphynx cats are natural athletes and playful pals. While Sphynx cats are extraordinarily energetic felines, their exercise requirements are minimal.
These cats are content to be amused for hours at a time, but some would love to have a mate. If you’ve been away from home for most of the day, you may like to get two sphynx kittens. Sphynxes get along with other pets, too, but you can rest assured thinking they’re going to be happier if you have any pet they can snuggle with at home, like puppies.
Sphynx cats love to play, run, and they can also get some exercise. Socially and intelligently, sphynx cats respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Given its hairless look, grooming is an essential aspect of sphynx therapy. Since they have no skin to absorb their body oils, the Sphynx cat’s fur must be regularly groomed to ensure a proper oil balance and to avoid skin issues and oil stains on the furniture. You should bathe your Sphynx cat at least once a week to remove the build-up of the tar. You’re going to need to brush in-between their plethora of wrinkles and folds.
In contrary to common opinion, sphynx cats are not fully hypoallergenic. They can look hairless, but these cats are coated with a very soft, suede-like coat. Doctors do, however, prescribe a sphynx cat as a cure for cat-lovers who are only allergic to animal fur, not to dander or blood.
Sphynx / Hairless Cat Food and Diet
Sphynx cats enjoy cooking, and their pottery proves it. They’re going to eat whatever you’re serving them. However, you should still pay careful attention to their diet.
Sphynx cats have a high appetite and a sensitive digestive system, so frequent meals are ideal at regular intervals during the day. Serving food in this way stops cats from being disinterested in their food too.
Dry cat food brushes cat teeth and preserves gum hygiene, but make sure your sphynx has plenty of water to drink after meals to avoid dehydration. Tougher cat chews can also be purchased at the nearest pet shop and perform well to encourage sound gums.
Any sphynx cat owners opt for a raw food diet and report multiple health benefits. Experts recommend a rotating diet of fresh fish, such as tuna or sardines, and kibble and wet-dry cat food.
Pros and Cons adopting Sphynx / Hairless Cat
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Sphynx is a loving, playful, faithful race.
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Some sphynxes and other cats and dogs get along well.
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People who don’t like cat fur or shed cats would enjoy this hairless breed.
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Hairless, it is vulnerable to sunburn, and it can not withstand cold temperatures.
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They’re not hypoallergenic; the dander and the oils can cause allergies.
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This breed is vulnerable to cardiomyopathy, as well as skin and dental problems.
10 Interesting facts about Sphynx / Hairless Cat
Sphynxes live (and purring) evidence that there is more to a cat than its fur coat, with their angular features, broad paws, and smooth bodies. Here are a couple of the fleshy feline details.
1. They’re from the World of Snow and Ice.
You would imagine that a cat whose roots came from the North Country would have a warm coat. But since the mid-1960s, when an Ontario cat gave birth to a hairless kitten, arising from a natural genetic mutation, the modern-day Canadian Sphynx, the hairless breed we know in North America, has been defying standards. Then, in the mid-1970s, owners in Toronto and Minnesota were born with two different sets of hairless kittens. Their lines have culminated in the affectionate animal we enjoy today due to numerous breeding efforts.
Don’t suppose, however, that the only hairless cat out there is the Canadian Sphynx. There are related breeds, and in countries around the globe, look-alike felines have been registered. For example, the Sphynx has a hairless doppelganger, the Donskoy, which is also a distinct breed from Russia. Although they appear virtually alike, the absence of the Sphynx’s long hair is due to a recessive gene, whereas the hairlessness of the Donskoy is the product of a dominant gene.
2. They’re not even bald at all.
The Sphynx might look less like a feline at first glance and more like a naked mole-rat. However, if you pet one, you can find that they are not hairless. A fine coating of downy fuzz is coated with Sphynxes. Though they are not plush to the touch, they feel suede-like in their jackets.
3. It’s patterned and colored.
While Sphynxes are “naked,” cats, color, and pattern can differ in their skin pigment. You are bound to see a Sphynx version of several longer-haired cats, from tortoiseshells to tabbies.
4. It is NOT hypoallergenic.
Do not fork out cash on a Sphynx kitten if you’re a cat-lover who is allergic to your favorite breed. The breed isn’t necessarily hypoallergenic, prompting claims to the contrary. In cat saliva and skin secretions, Sphynxes also develop Fel d1, the allergenic protein that causes your eyes to establish itchy and red.
5. WARMER than most other CATS.
Four degrees colder.
6. They need a weekly wash.
Think they’re super-clean Sphynx kitties because they don’t have fur? Again, remember. Although your cat’s hair may not be a magnet for bits of dust, pollen, and other substances, oil is also created by its skin. For most cats, the aid of oil makes their fur smooth. Although with Sphynx cats, it may shape a fatty layer on their coats, ensuring their owners must give them weekly baths. The same happens to the ears: because there are no hairs that obstruct the buildup of debris or dead skin cells within the cavities, owners must scrub them down frequently with a washcloth or cotton ball to keep their ears clean.
7. We’ve got delicate skin.
Do not slather sunscreen on your Sphynx any time it lies in a sunbeam, but bear in mind that your cat’s skin is more susceptible than most felines because it is not coated in a thick blanket. (Oh yes, they can get sunburned.) They can get cold or overheated, and they should be more indoor animals, but they can go outside.
8. ARE Famous …
Although pet owners in America love fuzzy cats such as Exotic Shorthairs, Persians, and Maine Coons, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association registry figures from 2014, Sphynxes are currently ranked the 8th most common feline breed in the world.
9. … AND Respectfully.
Although the Great Sphinx of Giza shares a name with them, the Sphynx cats are nothing like a stoic statue. They are friendly, caring, and playful cats, so much so that a recent report ranked Sphynxes as the most affectionate breed of cat in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour.
Why are they so lovely to Sphynx cats? Experts have a few theories: it may be that humans rely on them to stay warm; because friendlier cats may be preferred for breeding; or that breeders prefer to abandon Sphynx kittens for more extended periods with their mothers.
10. They eat enough.
Sphynx cats require more calories than the average feline due to their accelerated metabolism.
11. THE SPHYNX CATS PLAYED IN AUSTIN POWERS by MR. WIGGLESWORTH HAD PUNNY NAMES.
Ted Nugent, the principal Mr. Bigglesworth, was specially prepared for the films, staying still for up to 45 minutes when actors yelled, and actor Mike Myers petted him. Animal trainer Tammy Maples told The Daily News, “It helped that he was a show cat and was used to seeing lots of people around.” And he just liked Mike Myers, too. Mike always took the time to chat with Ted. It wasn’t just “sit down, roll cameras.” And they used Mel Gibskin when the producers wanted a Bigglesworth cat for The Spy Who Shagged Me. Later, Mel acted as Ted’s double as a grown cat.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphynx_cat
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